This was a big week for Jim Beam -related news. A few days ago, we reported on the latest iteration of Little Book called The Infinite Edition 1, an annual release that will add a new whiskey component to the blend each year. And now comes news regarding Booker’s , the beloved barrel-proof member of the Jim Beam Small Collection that also got an upgrade with a new older, pricier limited release called the Reserves.
Booker’s was created in the 1990s by the late, great Beam master distiller Booker Noe, who came up with the brand at a time when very few people were interested in drinking barrel-proof whiskey. The Jim Beam Small Batch Collection now includes three other expressions— Baker’s , Knob Creek , and Basil Hayden —but many consider Booker’s to be a standout due to its strong flavor and high proof. The bourbon , selected by Booker’s son and master distiller Fred Noe, is usually released four times per year and is aged for about six to seven years.
It’s uncut and unfiltered (except for barrel char) before bottling, and the proof usually falls somewhere in the mid-120s, depending on the batch. That’s strong, but not unmanageable, and the flavor is a good encapsulation of the grainy, nutty, caramel notes that define much of Beam’s whiskey. The price has gone up over the years, much to the displeasure of Booker’s fans, but you can usually find a bottle for around $100 these days.
Booker’s “The Reserves” is the first extension since 2019, according .